PINK Revolution’s fund raising efforts are helping under-insured women in Central MA get through their breast cancer battle with dignity by providing financial help with wigs, post mastectomy products including breast forms and bras, lymphedema sleeves and pumps; (with the help of Mary Aframe and the Women’s Image Center).

Last year we provided an 8-week “Easy Steps” exercise program for women with lymphedema and mobility issues; giving the community at-large a free wellness series 3-4 times a year, with topics relating to breast cancer side affects, living with the disease, diet, genetic testing, mindfulness and exercise. (In the past, the College of the Holy Cross and The Women’s Image Center has sponsored the Wellness Series). More than 400 women have benefitted from these programs..

PINK Revolution is building momentum by engaging students in grades 9-12 and at colleges and high schools in central MA. After a brief education on the mission, they raise funds at “PINK” games and events throughout the year.

The UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester offers a complete range of diagnostic and treatment services for routine breast screenings, as well as prompt evaluation and state-of-the-art treatment of breast disorders and cancer at our Comprehensive Breast Center. The Breast Center serves as a hub for a variety of breast-related services for the UMass Memorial Health Care system.

Through the Breast Center partnership with UMass Medical School, patients have access to the most sophisticated medical technology and treatments available. UMass provides an active cancer research group, giving patients many options to participate in clinical trials studying the newest treatment approaches.

In addition to diagnostic and treatment services, UMass offers weekly multidisciplinary sessions that provide one-stop care for new breast cancer patients in a patient-focused setting. The center also provides a wide range of services for screening of asymptomatic women and efficient, complete evaluation of symptomatic women. A high-risk screening program including genetic testing and counseling is also available.

WHAT IS BREAST CANCER?

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. It is considered a heterogeneous disease—differing by individual, age group, and even the kinds of cells within the tumors themselves. Obviously no woman wants to receive this diagnosis, but hearing the words “breast cancer” doesn’t always mean an end. It can be the beginning of learning how to fight, getting the facts, and finding hope.

*Women in the United States get breast cancer more than any other type of cancer except for skin cancer. It is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in women. In 2015 an estimated 231,840 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer along with 60,290 new cases of non-invasive (in-situ) breast cancer. An estimated 40,290 are expected to die. In 2015,, there are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States. This includes women in treatment. It should be noted that approximately 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history.